“I want to thank my family: my wife Regina and my son Harry. Thank you. Just seriously, thank you for being my family. I love you both, and really nothing else matters, does it?” These were some of the final words of farewell from Dave Letterman this past week. After 33 years as host of the late night talk show, he was offering his closing words of gratitude, when he spoke these words to, and about his family.
I wonder, whether or not we agree with those words. Now I have to interject, because I would be remise not to do so, that my relationship with and my faith in God are the most important things that matter for all of eternity. But next to that, what matters most to you?
Career might be at the top of the list for many. For others it could be money or travel or possessions. But what I notice is that so often we give our best stuff – time, energy, creativity, even our passions, to our co-workers, our golf buddies, or our favorite hobby – leaving the crumbs, the remnants of who we really are for our spouse and kids.
Whether you were a fan of the Letterman show or not, I would ask you to consider the basic truth of his words. “I want to thank my family . . . I love you both, and really nothing else matters, does it?” While it would be interesting to see what Dave might have had on his Top Ten List of “Things that are most important to Dave,” I wonder what would be on your Top Ten List. I encourage you to consider pondering what or who are the top 3 or 4 things on your List. And as you do so, my suggestion today would be to begin with thanking the people in your household for being your family. It really does matter.